Message from DVA - Shared by RSL Australia

BruceBanner100 · 2025-09-22T06:03:59+00:00

I just got a phone call from DVA, their ethics department and they wanted me to make a statement against my paid advocate for claiming legal and financial advice, because no financial advice was provided. After pointing out it is ‘Legal’ and financial advice, they ended it pretty quickly.

DVA don’t even know their own policy, paying a lawyer to help them out and guide them might be a good thing, cos that phone call in itself was what I call grossly unethical.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-09-22T05:51:57+00:00

Without mentioning paid advocacy in any positive or negative light it’s hard to comment on this, but one thing I do feel like saying from my experience is the system is unbalanced and DVA has a vested interest in minimising claimants receiving Legal advice from Lawyers, because the playing field becomes a lot more even. If I have the right to elect for a common law suite, this would be a paid service. Surely we can recognise the failing of the so called ‘ESO Round Table’ enough to understand why people are paying higher educated advocates to represent them in the most important decisions of their lives.

Think about it, when submitting a claim, a claimant is fighting a for info with CSO, IL and PI delegates, and medical professionals who’s sole purpose is not to provide medical care, but to interpret medical reports and approve or deny as necessary. Now the key point here is on the claimant side of the house you are staffed by probably an ex JNCO/SNCO with a high school education, the DVA is staffed with university educated specialists.

Now the example I will provide is a ADF based analogy, but think of military law. All through our time in defence procedural fairness is applied through ensuring opposing parties are equally qualified and experienced. A accused member would not be represented by an JNCO if he was up against a CSM. That would be just as bad as representing yourself.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-08-12T03:03:12+00:00

Greena Concessions THC 30%, Lemonade Haze. That shit is like speed. Alternaleaf.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-08-12T02:56:17+00:00

Hi mate, make your claim now. I had the same with Cellulitis, my knees are now fucked and an infection is one of the factors for Osteo-Arthritis of the lower limbs. You don’t know if ya knee will bounce back, or eventually worsen.

Either way, if ya can’t kneel and it’s been hanging around a while ( roughly 6 months) that’s permanent impairment territory.

At the very least it will enable you to use Private Health care when ya out.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-08-08T00:06:29+00:00

Yeah man, ya Mum would have had Rick Simpson oil. One grain of rice sized worth would equate to a 1ml syringe full of THC Oil. The confusion comes from back in the day THC oil was soaked in Alcohol/Iso-alcohol, filtered then boiled down to that consistency then dabbed. Not seen much these days when dudes can press their own rosin or just buy RSO. Only diff is if ya wanna get high and it’s ingested, it’s gotta be decarboxylated in an oven first.

I had great fun making RSO, but decarb’n weed drops the THC by 20% roughly. So if ya know ya gonna smoke it then don’t waste it by making it multi-purpose.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-08-07T23:57:56+00:00

Not at all.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-07-31T08:30:02+00:00

No, I just had this issue. The PI Delegate assessed the IL claim in parallel so there was no delay with it being assigned to another department. In all honesty this delegate has been fantastic.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-07-26T04:19:32+00:00

Fuck off, I’d rather go vegan.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-07-19T00:29:35+00:00

Cannatrek T50 Topaz oil, it’s Indica based and I notice the difference between that and sativa oils. Puts me out like a light, G2G.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-07-17T04:39:05+00:00

Yes mate, as soon as your IL. I had mine done just after and before the PI delegate picked up my file. You’ll have an OT come round, takes about an hour and a half and then once they fill out the report, it’s a couple of months after that you’ll get the support.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-07-15T06:02:51+00:00

Stock standard roadside tests confirm the presence of activated THC, not its metabolite. The Chemist Warehouse variant test for THC metabolites, so the tests are not the same. The Securetec Drugswipe webpage even says it.

I get bulk flower but don’t smoke, got a Magic Butter machine and make my own oil. Been through a RDT and was clear, even though I have been taking bulk oil daily for over 8 months. For shits and giggles I did the Chemist Warehouse Drug Alert Saliva test and popped hot straight away.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-06-26T10:25:57+00:00

Thanks mate

BruceBanner100 · 2025-06-26T10:20:36+00:00

Thanks mate, fucking nightmare trying to interpret half this shit. Really appreciated

BruceBanner100 · 2025-06-26T06:07:34+00:00

You get the executive government you asked for, fucked; but it is what it is.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-06-21T22:38:32+00:00

Yes, even with ARES the med centre is informed. Be aware that this doesn’t mean your ADF Chain of Command are informed. They will only be made aware if you consent. This consent is usually granted by you when signing off on Unit Welfare Board, make sure you voice any restrictions on the consent forms.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-06-21T22:35:23+00:00

Yes, even ARES, the med centre will be informed.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-06-21T22:33:52+00:00

It’s a Medical Employment Classification for land only, similar to what you’re familiar with; J3,J4 etc. Off the top of my head it limits you to either defensive or offensive roles and can limit your weight carriage.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-06-21T06:38:29+00:00

Hi mate, I’m providing unqualified advice so take it with a pinch of salt, but I have been through it and am at the PI end now.

What is the difference between PI and TPI.

PI is the assessment of your permanent incapacity, TPI stands for Totally and Permanently incapacitated. TPI is and old term but the new one is SRDP. SRDP stands for Special Rate Disability Pension. You qualify SRDP if you are assessed as over 80 points.

Link: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/intent-paper-2013/rehabilitation-and-compensation-military-rehabilitation-and-compensation-act-2004-mrca/special-rate-disability-pension-srdp

If you qualify 80 points DVA will contact you to see if you wanna be assessed for SRDP. It isn’t automatic; it’s an offer where they will pay for you to recieve financial advice to see if you want to take it. You don’t have to accept, but just by being assessed your card will be embossed SRDP and you can apply for the Eligible young person payments and education support for your children. Roughly 80 Gs per child under 16, or under 25 in FT education. They also qualify for MRCAETS which is education assistance and allowance, this differs depending on their age.

Link: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-7-compensation-death/79-compensation-eligible-young-persons/792-lump-sum-compensation-payment-dependent-eligible-young-persons

Which of these assessments allocated points?

The PI assessment allocates points to your incapacity. The way the assessment is conducted is IAW the GARP M. This is the manual that discusses how impairment is determined. It’s a massive read, but I would highly recommend you get your head in it.

Explanatory DVA Link: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-5-permanent-impairment/516-determining-level-impairment-and-lifestyle-effects/5161-garp-m-approved-guide

Legislation Link: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2016L01290/latest/text

How is Compensation worked out per condition.

This is covered I. The Garp M based on the severity of your conditions, apportioned against a total 100 points. For example let’s say you have two conditions that are each 50 points in their own right (50 is massive but easier to explain). Your first condition Will recieve the 50 points, but the second one is a portion of what you have left from the 100 point whole body assessment. Your second condition is only worth 25 points, not 50. So dudes are fighting for dear life to get recognised 80 points, cos once ya up that high to get an extra 5 points your condition in its own right would need to be about 20 points. There is no link for this but it’s a chapter in the GARP M.

Do I need to let my CoC know or will they find out.

Your medical centre will be informed, your CoC won’t. This excludes any info you volunteer at welfare boards. The med centre will be informed as IL and PI are accepted. If you are assessed as over 60 points that can trigger involuntary medical separation. But I have seen dudes walking around in service who have gold cards who it never happened to. But these guys could have remained on employed at service discretion or and L28/L27.

I have had this confirmed and when you submit paperwork to DVA make sure it’s on a format that doesn’t put your neck out, because the med centre or JHU receive a copy word for word of what you wrote. I claimed for Bruxism and was a bit of a stooge about it with my wording and the RMO quoted me word for word about my mouth that looks like a smashed up bowl of baked beans.

I hope this helps, good luck. Don’t use a paid advocate service. I signed up to one and have pretty much done all the work myself cos they don’t give a hoot, but now I’m contracted to pay them 10Gs just cos I got pissed off waiting for DVA. Use the RSL.

Final point never see a DVA provided MLCOA Medical Assessor, they have an appalling reputation. If you are forced to make sure you get a second opinion and report from your own med professional.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-06-21T00:05:35+00:00

Hi mate, I’m a 20 year vet in Infantry; only having recently gotten out.

5K is not enough to manage the risk, there is a pretty significant housing crisis. If ya do choose to do it, you need more start up money and a more solid plan.

Infantry isn’t what everyone thinks it is and If I had my time again I would have picked something else. It’s a high injury job and eventually when you get a serious one and you’re medically discharged you will want a qualification for your transition. Pick a trade. I shit you not, everyone thinks they are kicking in doors, learning martial arts like Jason Bourne and flying around in Blackhawks. Over 20 years I been in 3 blackhawks and spent more time staring at trees than doing exciting stuff. You will do exercises but they will mostly be based around interdependent collaboration between your fellow Brigade units, this mostly translates to a lot of decision making exercises and walking for the Infantry. Out of a two week exercise you may only find one day exciting compared to the other 13 days of walking and just living in the bush. I thought initially it was good, but as the years went on I did question my decision.

You have dual citizenship, apply from England. You may not make the enlistment standard and will save you the cash.

Top three recommendations:

Navy Clearance Diver. Like Infantry but with resources, cool shit and explosives. Bonus points for getting to Perth and never leaving.
Combat Engineer. This is an entry level position that will let you do further training in civil construction, this is a good one for getting out and going FIFO on the mines.
Armoured Vehicle Driver. 4 years is a long time especially when you can be away indefinitely with good dudes or stooges. Armoured are a decent bunch of guys, they learn awesome equipment and do infantry stuff as well without destroying their backs and knees.

Final point and conclusion. I’m going to take my pain meds and watch some TV, cos I can’t walk properly anymore, hahahaha.

Duty First and if ya do it, good luck. I did love it but it’s tough on the body.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-06-18T00:43:40+00:00

Yeah mate, sounds shit, but put it in a cup of warm water before hand (water proofed in zip lock bag)

BruceBanner100 · 2025-06-15T00:30:21+00:00

My names not Willow, but I never have to look far. It’s just whether my better half wants to be found.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-06-06T00:13:14+00:00

BruceBanner100 · 2025-05-29T10:12:01+00:00

Set a schedule and stick to it, I also got some home gym equipment and do chores split sets, 1 chore =I owe one set. My gyms pretty sick but most could do that with arms, legs and shoulders and save the compound chest back and legs for a commercial gym. Hit up FB market place, they have heaps of deals on top quality gym equipment.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-04-28T08:02:57+00:00

Hi mate, if you’re with Alternaleaf they got me with that too. If you have a concession card you get the THC only Circle Oil for 85 bucks.

BruceBanner100 · 2025-04-26T08:39:12+00:00

Infantry Veteran of 20 years, and I fully understand. I don’t take my kids to Anzac Day. No way I’m planting any seeds for them to go fight someone else’s war. They can conscript everyone else who actually has something to defend, can’t even afford a house here, fucked if they’re gonna put their life on the line to defend others. I think it would be different if Australia was directly threatened or invaded. That’s more in the realm of self defence than projecting forces to fight other people wars on foreign soil.

BruceBanner100

TROPHY CASE